Serum and urine concentrations of rifampicin administered by intravenous infusion in man.

Two studies were carried out in man with the aim of assessing the serum and urine concentrations of rifampicin administered by i.v. infusion. In patients suffering from various diseases, a dose of 600 mg i.v. proved to be equieffective with a 600 mg oral dose. Repeated administration of a 600 mg dose by i.v. infusion for a week produced serum levels corresponding to those achieved by oral administration. With the i.v. preparation the drop in serum rifampicin levels during continuous administration was less marked than with the oral administration. The recovery of antibiotic in the urine seems to be lower with i.v. than with the oral preparation. The i.v. preparation was very well tolerated by all the patients.